Holmes Shows Athleticism At Opening Regional
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Is he a running back? Is he a defensive back?
Well, on Sunday here at The Opening New Jersey Regional, C.J. Holmes was a wide receiver and a damn good one too, walking away with a ticket to The Opening Finals in Oregon this summer and MVP honors at his position.
“Even though a lot of people see my normal position as corner and running back, I wanted to show I can compete with the best of the best at a different position,” the 6-foot, 200-pounder from Connecticut’s Cheshire Academy said.
Holmes isn’t sure what position he’ll end up playing on the next level, but does have a preference.
“I’m primarily being recruited as a running back and a safety,” he said. “I would always like to see myself on the offensive side of the ball, but I’d be open-minded to playing defense.”
Holmes’ offer sheet currently includes schools like UConn, Boston College, Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Tennessee and Mississippi State among others.
Notre Dame is in the process of evaluating Holmes and was at his school last week.
“I didn’t get to talk to them of course, but just knowing a prestigious program and academic school like that is interested in me is just an honor,” said Holmes.
“I got feedback from my coach. They like me as a running back and I understand they’re looking forward to recruiting me and I can’t wait to get the process going.”
Holmes is hoping the Irish will continue moving forward with him.
“Hopefully an offer,” he said of what could be next for himself and Notre Dame. “I know they’ve been looking at me for some time now. I don’t know necessarily what their timetable is, but as long as they’re looking to further the process, I’m all ears.
“A prestigious school like that, it’d be hard for me to deny. I understand from other peoples’ experiences that it’s a great school and I can’t wait to see it for myself.”
Notre Dame is recruiting Holmes’ teammate, 2017 wide receiver Tarik Black, who visited South Bend back in March.
“Tarik, I know he really liked Notre Dame,” said Holmes. “They made his top five, so I would say they’re in the running for him.”
Holmes has some early leaders of his own.
“I have nine offers, but I’d say my top three right now are Tennessee, Penn State and Syracuse in no order,” he said.
“I’ve seen all three and I have great connections with all three coaching staffs in different ways. I like all of the campuses. I have things I don’t like about each, like normally you would, but for me right now, those seem like the best situations.”
He’s hoping to make a verbal commitment within the next few months.
“I would like to make a decision in the summer, so I would like to go see my top three and my most recent offer, Pitt,” he said.
Comfort will play a major part in that decision.
“Just where I could see myself, where I’m the most comfortable. One of the coaches on one of the staffs that’s recruiting me said, to picture myself where I see myself on a Tuesday in February is going to be important; just that home aspect and where I feel I can be part of a family and most importantly, where my parents feel comfortable.”